Significant bruising and swelling with Juvederm lip augmentation - is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I had lip augmentation with Juverderm (1ml) done on Thursday, by a cosmetic surgeon visiting my local beauty salon. I bled badly as soon as he started the procedure, and it was agonisingly painful, despite "numbing cream". It was very scary, because he was concerned about my blood vessels. There was minimal consultation, no pre-procedure or aftercare info, and I feel very naive. My lips swelled up hugely and I now look like I've been punched, the bruising is so bad. Is this normal?

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

It is common to bruise after lip injections due to the increase in blood vessels in the area. It is not common to bruise as much as your photos show, although it sometimes happens even to the best injectors.  You should have been educated, prior to your treatment, that certain products such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, blood thinners, etc. can increase your risk of bruising.  ABut, NEVER go to a hair salon for a cosmetic medical treatment.  Besides not being as sanitary as a medical office, most busy, experienced injector's would not be going to a salon, or someone's home for a party, to do injections.  This indicates desperation for business". Also, any physician can call themselves a "Cosmetic surgeon" as it is not an official specialty and can be a pediatrician, radiologist, ER doctor, etc, rather than a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.    You should have also been given aftercare instructions such as icing the area.  When having a cosmetic procedure, WHO you go to is more important than what you are having done.   You are not purchasing the product, you are purchasing the expertise and talent.  That's why it's cheaper to go to salons, medispas and other clinics where the injector's name and specialty is not emphasized.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The lip can bruise and swell, but this is likely from a combination of bad luck as well as poor technique.  I suggest you go to an expert next time and someone who uses cannulas, which prevent bruising and swelling and pain.  My patients never have issues like this.  If there is significant pain or any skin breakdown, please see your physician immediately.  Otherwise this will take a few weeks to clear.  It can go away quicker if you get pulsed dye laser treatments. Best, Dr. Emer.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for
your question and photograph. It’s not unusual for patients to have contour
irregularities of their lips and experience bruising immediately following
injections with Juvederm. In most patients this is usually related to swelling
and can take up to 2 weeks to resolve. Unfortunately in some cases, these lumps
and bruises may be related to uneven injection of Juvederm. Your doctor may
want to dissolve the filler with an enzyme known as hyaluronidase. I recommend
you follow up with your injector for an evaluation as soon as possible. All the
best!

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Having procedures done in a beauty salon is usually a bad idea, hyped up by the salon owners who may be getting free services in return. It allows you no time to research the doctor and his/her qualifications. I would be very concerned about how your lips look now and I would seek expert advice in person as soon as possible. Best wishes.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Unfortunately there is not much to be done at this point about your lips except elevation, ice, and possibly steroids. This injector appears to not be experienced in the gentle touch required for the lips. A vbeam or Excel V laser can decrease the bruising time to a few days. I'd choose another provider in the future. Most of my patients continue their normal social activities after having their lips done. I like to use Restylane Silk now.

Significant bruising and swelling with Juvederm lip augmentation - is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lip injections in a beauty salon

Answer: Lip injections in a beauty salon

Answer: This is excessive bruising after lip augmentation

Answer: This is excessive bruising after lip augmentation

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Significant bruising and swelling with Juvederm lip augmentation - is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lip injections in a beauty salon

Answer: Lip injections in a beauty salon

Answer: This is excessive bruising after lip augmentation

Answer: This is excessive bruising after lip augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.